Though the men’s college basketball season is still young, a number of teams recorded victories this week that could come in handy in March. In the short term, said results also provided rankings boosts in this week’s USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Kansas retains the No. 1 spot, claiming 25 of 31 of the first-place votes. Two-time defending champion Connecticut climbs a notch to No. 2, receiving three No. 1 nods. Auburn is up to No. 3 with a pair of firsts, and the final top vote goes to No. 4 Gonzaga. Iowa State rounds out the top five.

Purdue makes a big move, vaulting from No. 12 to No. 6 after an impressive win against Alabama over the weekend. The Crimson Tide fall from the No. 2 spot to seventh. Houston jumps ahead of Tennessee for the No. 8 position. Duke slides to No. 10 after a loss to Kentucky during the week, a win that bumps the Wildcats up seven places to No. 11.

Arizona drops nine places to No. 17 after a loss to Wisconsin. The Badgers join the poll at No. 25 along with No. 24 Texas Tech. Ohio State drops out after falling to No. 22 Texas A&M. Rutgers, despite a 3-0 start, also gets squeezed out for now.

The 2024 NFL season is approaching the witching hour for fantasy football managers.

Week 11 (MNF pending) was another whirlwind. Anthony Richardson was the QB4. Jerry Jeudy, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Christian Watson were top-10 receivers. Taysom Hill, Jonnu Smith, Noah Gray, Will Dissly, Juwan Johnson, Colby Parkinson, Nate Adkins, Kenny Yeboah, and Brock Wright finished as TE1s. Are you having fun yet?

Here’s a look at my Week 11 fantasy football rankings. Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception), and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format.

Our team at USA TODAY Sports has you covered with plenty of content to help with your Week 11 lineup and roster decisions. Wondering who the best waiver-wire claims are? We have that covered so you can make your pickups. Need to know what players you can drop? We have that as well. We also have a list of the 10 best buy low/sell high candidates.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Please note: These rankings will change significantly as the week goes on. Check back on Sunday morning for final updates.

How to win your fantasy football league in 2024? Sign up for The Huddle

Week 12 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Risers and fallers

UP: Justin Herbert – The veteran’s resurgence is no longer flying under the radar. Herbert has finished as a top-12 quarterback in four consecutive outings. In Week 12, he’ll face a Ravens team that’s allowed the fifth-most points to opposing signal-callers.
UP: Bo Nix – The rookie has been red-hot, finishing as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in five of his last seven games, including four outings of QB9 or better. The Raiders have ceded at least 17.4 points to passers in all but two contests since Week 1.
UP: Patrick Mahomes – The two-time MVP has not been a strong fantasy asset but this could be the week to dust him off and insert him into your lineups. Carolina has given up the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2024.
UP: Geno Smith – The 34-year-old has ranked as the QB12 or better in six of his 10 games this season, and he faces a Cardinals squad that’s allowing an average of 21.9 fantasy points to quarterbacks on the road (compared to 12.2 at home).
UP: Anthony Richardson – In his return against the Jets, Richardson racked up 305 total yards and three scores. The Lions have surrendered at least 15.7 fantasy points to six different quarterbacks this season.
DOWN: Jayden Daniels – After looking like a league-winning pick through four games, Daniels has now ranked as the QB11 or lower in seven straight games, including finishes of QB24 and QB23 in his last two outings.
DOWN: Sam Darnold – After struggling mightily against the “defense” of the Jaguars, Darnold rebounded with 264 yards and 3 tuddies against the Titans. It’ll be tough sledding versus a Bears team that’s allowed the fewest fantasy points to the position in 2024.
DOWN: Jameis Winston – In Week 11, Winston erupted for 403 total yards and two touchdowns, but streamers should look elsewhere in Week 12. No quarterback has surpassed 18.4 fantasy points against the Steelers this season.

Week 12 fantasy football running back rankings: Risers and fallers

UP: Tyrone Tracy Jr. – The rookie has ranked as a top-10 running back in three of his last five games, and he should feast on a Bucs front that ceded the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing backfields.
UP: Najee Harris – The 26-year-old has finished as the RB18 or better in five straight games. Six running backs have eclipsed double-digit half-PPR points against the Browns over their last six games.
UP: Bucky Irving – After managing an RB6 finish in Week 10, the rookie has now ranked as the R17 or better in three of his last five outings. He’ll face a Giants defense that’s allowed the most rush yards and third-most fantasy points to backs since Week 7.
UP: Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler – Robinson has ranked as the RB17 or better in five of his eight games this season, and he’s only finished lower than RB22 once. Meanwhile, Ekeler has finished as the RB27 or better in seven of his last nine games. Both are good plays against a Cowboys team that’s giving up the third-most fantasy points to running backs in 2024.
DOWN: Jonathan Taylor – Consistently ranked inside the top-10, Taylor has finished higher than RB11 just once in eight games this campaign. The Lions await in Week 12, and they’ve given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to runners this season.
DOWN: Aaron Jones – The veteran got off to a great start, but it’s been tough sledding of late. In his last six games, Jones has ranked higher than RB19 just once.
DOWN: Kareem Hunt – The honeymoon period might be over for Hunt, as Isiah Pacheco is reportedly set to return in Week 12. Hunt also garnered a season-low 14 touches against the Bills on Sunday.
DOWN: Audric Estime – After head coach Sean Payton stated that Estime would “continue to get more reps,” the rookie finished with nine touches, four fewer than the previous week. Utilize this backfield in fantasy at your own risk.

Week 12 fantasy football wide receiver rankings: Risers and fallers

UP: Mike Evans – He’s back. Evans appears ready to return in Week 12, and he should have an elite role. Granted, it’s a small sample size, but the 31-year-old has averaged 0.57 fantasy points per route run without Chris Godwin on the field since 2022. For context, the only player averaging more fantasy points per route during that period is Tyreek Hill (0.64).
UP: Jauan Jennings – We now have three games this season where Jennings has seen more than six targets, and in those games he’s finished as the WR1, WR17, and WR8 (with MNF pending). Jennings looks like a top-15 wideout for the remainder of the season.
UP: Jaxon Smith-Njigba – D.K. Metcalf’s return didn’t slow down JSN. The second-year receiver racked up 110 yards on 10 receptions against the 49ers, adding 8 yards on the ground. He’s firmly in the top-20 conversation this week.
UP: Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston – The Ravens have allowed the most fantasy points to wideouts in 2024, which means it’s time to fire up the Chargers receivers in Week 12. McConkey has now topped 100 yards in two of his last four games, and Johnston has finished as a top-30 receiver in five of his last seven games.
UP: Jerry Jeudy – Jeudy has now racked up at least eight targets in three consecutive games, culminating in a 6/142/1 line in Week 11. Even in a tough matchup with the Steelers, he’s on the streaming radar.
DOWN: Deebo Samuel Sr. – Despite the absences of Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle, Deebo managed just 21 total yards this week. He’s now ranked as the WR37 or worse in five of his last seven games. Adjust expectations accordingly.
DOWN: Romeo Doubs – After finishing as the WR9 and WR15 in Week 6 and 7, respectively, Doubs has now placed outside the top-45 in three straight games. He’s off the fantasy radar in a tough Week 12 draw versus the 49ers.
DOWN: Jaylen Waddle – The speedster’s best finish since Week 1 has been WR35. The upside will always be there with Waddle, but start him at your own risk.

Week 12 fantasy football tight end rankings: Risers and fallers

UP: Jonnu Smith – Smith has been a top-two tight end in two of his last five games, and he’s ranked as the TE17 or higher in five of his last six. You can do worse, especially at a thin position.
UP: Ja’Tavion Sanders – The rookie has finished as the TE16 or higher in four of his last five games, including three top-12 performances in his last four outings. He’s a decent streaming option against a Chiefs team that’s allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
DOWN: Tucker Kraft – Kraft has generated four targets or fewer in four of his last five outings, with his latest resulting in a goose egg against the Bears. The 49ers have surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season.
DOWN: Pat Freiermuth – Targets have been hard to come by for Freiermuth, who hasn’t exceeded three looks since Week 4. The result? One performance better than TE18 during that stretch.

Week 12 fantasy football rankings

The NHL season is more than a month old, and there have been four trades plus extensions signed by Jake Oettinger, Alexis Lafreniere, Linus Ullmark and others.

Other top players also remain eligible for extensions, including Igor Shesterkin, Mikko Rantanen, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Brock Boeser.

There will be more trades as teams build toward a Stanley Cup run or make moves for their long-term future. Here are key dates to watch: the holiday roster freeze in December, the league’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and the trade deadline in early March.

Follow along here this season for signings, trades, transactions and other news from the NHL:

Nov. 18: Islanders’ Mike Reilly to have procedure on heart

General manager Lou Lamoriello told reporters that the pre-existing heart condition was discovered during routine testing for a concussion that had sidelined the defenseman since Nov. 1.

‘It’s probably a blessing in disguise of what transpired,’ Lamoriello said. ‘They detected this, something that you’re sometimes born with, but never knew.’

He said Reilly has been cleared from the concussion.

Nov. 18: Sabres send down goalie; Sharks call one up

The Buffalo Sabres sent 22-year-old goalie Devon Levi to the American Hockey League to get him some playing time amid his recent struggles. The team will use Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and recently reacquired James Reimer as their tandem. Levi has given up 17 goals in his last four starts.

Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks called up highly touted goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov, 22, after he went 6-3 with a 1.92 goals-against average in the AHL. He was acquired from the Nashville Predators in an offseason trade. Sharks goalie Vitek Vanecek had left Saturday’s game with an injury.

Also: The NHL announced that last month’s Carolina Hurricanes-Tampa Bay Lightning game, whichas was postponed by Hurricane Milton, has been rescheduled for Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. ET. … Philadelphia Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson (lower body) was placed on injured reserve.

Nov. 15: Avalanche’s Valeri Nichushkin returns from suspension

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin returned Friday night from his six-month suspension. He was suspended during the playoffs last May under Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He also was in the program for about two months earlier in the 2023-24 season and missed part of the 2023 playoffs for personal reasons. Nichushkin is a key offensive contributor with 28 goals in 54 games last season. Injured forwards Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood also returned Friday.

Also: The Vegas Golden Knights signed defenseman Brayden McNabb, the franchise leader in games played, to a three-year contract extension that averages $3.65 million a year.

OILERS: Connor McDavid is fourth fastest to reach 1,000 points

Nov. 13: Sabres claim goalie James Reimer off waivers

The Buffalo Sabres claimed goaltender James Reimer off waivers, bringing him back to where he signed a free agent contract in the summer. Reimer was claimed by the Anaheim Ducks off waivers earlier this season when the Sabres tried to send him to the American Hockey League. The Ducks put him on waivers after the return of injured goalie John Gibson. Reimer, on a one-year, $1 million contract, played two games in Anaheim with a 4.50 goals-against average. No. 1 Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was hurt in Monday’s loss but hasn’t been ruled out for Thursday’s game.

Also: Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm will be out ‘weeks’ with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot, coach Jim Montgomery said.

Nov. 12: Capitals reacquire Lars Eller in trade with Penguins

Center Lars Eller, 35, is a familiar face for the Washington Capitals after playing in Washington from 2016-23 and winning a Stanley Cup there in 2018. He kills penalties and is strong in the faceoff circle. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ side of the trade might be more interesting. They get a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder, and this also could be an indication that the Penguins are shaking up the roster after a disappointing start. Eller’s trade will allow the team to give more ice time to younger players. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent.

Also: The Winnipeg Jets claimed goalie Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche and loaned him to their American Hockey League affiliate. They had lost him on waivers to the Avalanche last month.

Nov. 11: Flames’ Anthony Mantha to have season-ending surgery

Also: The Colorado Avalanche placed goalie Kaapo Kahkonen on waivers. They had claimed him off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets last month.

Nov. 9: Penguins recall veteran goalie Tristan Jarry from minors

The Pittsburgh Penguins recalled two-time All-Star goalie Tristan Jarry from his conditioning stint in the American Hockey League. Jarry was loaned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Oct. 26 after recording a 5.37 goals-against average and .836 save percentage. His AHL numbers were 2.16, .926.

Also: The Philadelphia Flyers made rookie Matvei Michkov a healthy scratch for a second consecutive game.

Nov. 8: Kraken acquire Daniel Sprong from Canucks

The Seattle Kraken landed Daniel Sprong, one of their former players, in exchange for future considerations. The Kraken have struggled to score this season and Sprong had 21 goals for them two seasons ago. The forward has scored double-digit goals five times. He had one goal with Vancouver this season.

Nov. 7: Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov to be healthy scratch

Coach John Tortorella called the move ‘part of the process.’

‘With young guys, they can watch games, too, as far as development,’ he told reporters. ‘It’s trying to help them.’

Michkov, 19, has 10 points in 13 games and a minus-8 rating and was NHL rookie of the month in October. He had just one point in his last five games and his ice time dropped in the last four.

Nov. 4: Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini ready to return from injury

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, is ready to return to action after aggravating an injury in the season opener, according to NHL.com.

He took part in practice Monday on the top line with Tyler Toffoli and Mikael Granlund and is looking to play his second game season Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Celebrini said he reinjured his hip on his first shift of the opener but played the full game and had a goal and assist. He has missed 12 games. The Sharks opened the season 0-7-2 but are 3-1 in their last four games.

Also: St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg will be out four to six weeks with a lower-body injury. He needed help getting off the ice Saturday after he was checked by the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner. … The Boston Bruins signed forward Tyler Johnson to a one-year, $775,000 contract. He won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning and spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Nov. 2: Islanders’ Mathew Barzal, Adam Pelech go on injured list

New York Islanders No. 1 center Mathew Barzal was placed on long-term injured reserve with an unspecified upper-body injury. He’ll be out four to six weeks. He had 80 points in 80 games last season but had been limited to five points in 10 games this season as the Islanders have struggled to score.

Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech also will be out four to six weeks after being hit in the face by a puck. He went on the injured list.

Oct. 30: Sharks acquire Timothy Liljegren from Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs get defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder. Liljegren, 25, had been limited to one game in Toronto this season, and the Maple Leafs recently committed to blue-liner Jake McCabe with a five-year extension. But Liljegren should fit in well in San Jose, which is building around younger players. Benning, 30, and Liljegren are signed through 2025-26.

This is the second day with an NHL trade after none previously since the season opened in North America.

Oct. 29: Utah acquires defenseman Olli Maatta from Red Wings

The Utah Hockey Club gives up a third-round pick as it addresses a desperate need for a veteran defenseman. Sean Durzi and John Marino are out long-term after surgery. Utah has been leaking goals during a four-game losing streak, including blowing a 4-1 lead late in the third period against the previously winless San Jose Sharks. Maatta is solid defensively and has nearly 700 games of NHL experience.

Oct. 28: Maple Leafs sign Jake McCabe to five-year extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenseman Jake McCabe to a five-year extension with an annual average value of $4.51 million. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports there is some deferred money in the deal. McCabe, 31, had been acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in a February 2023 trade and ranks fourth on the team in average ice time this season. He has three assists in nine games and a team-best plus-6 rating.

Also: The New York Rangers recalled rugged forward Matt Rempe from the American Hockey League after he played two games there. The Rangers play the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in what has become a feisty rivalry.

Oct. 26: Penguins send goalie Tristan Jarry to minors

The Pittsburgh Penguins sent two-time All-Star goaltender Tristan Jarry to their American Hockey League affiliate on a conditioning loan after his early season struggles. He had been sent home from the Penguins’ road trip to work on his game after recording a 5.47 goals-against average and .836 save percentage in three games. He was pulled from his last start on Oct. 16 and gave up six goals in the opener.

Jarry is in the second season of a five-year contract that carries a $5.375 million cap hit. Rookie Joel Blomqvist has had the most starts in the Penguins net this season and Alex Nedeljkovic recently returned from an injury.

Also: The New York Islanders signed rugged forward Matt Martin for the rest of the season. He had been to camp on a tryout agreement after spending 13 of his 15 seasons with the Islanders.

Oct. 25: Rangers’ Alexis Lafreniere gets seven-year extension

The New York Rangers and Alexis Lafreniere have agreed to a seven-year extension as he builds on last season’s breakthrough. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick will average $7.45 million in the deal, according to lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network. That’s up from this year’s $2.325 million cap hit. Lafreniere, 23, broke through with 28 goals and 57 points last season and added eight goals and 14 points in the playoffs. He is averaging a point a game this season through seven games and scored his fourth goal of the season on Thursday. He is signed through 2031-32.

Oct. 24: Golden Knights’ Shea Theodore signs for seven years

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore will average $7.425 million in the extension, which kicks in next season and runs through 2031-32. Getting him signed now is important after the Golden Knights lost Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson and others from their 2023 Stanley Cup team to free agency during the summer.

Theodore, 29, is the franchise’s top-scoring defenseman with 296 points and has opened this season with seven points in six games. Vegas’ top three defensemen (also Alex Pietrangelo and Noah Hanifin) are signed through at least 2026-27.

Oct. 23: Utah’s Sean Durzi, John Marino out long-term after surgery

The Utah Hockey Club, who beefed up their defense in the offseason, will be without two key blueliners long-term after they had surgery.

Sean Durzi, who was injured in an Oct. 15 game, will miss four to six months after shoulder surgery. John Marino, who has yet to play this season, is out three to four months after back surgery.

Utah added defensemen Mikhail Sergachev, Marino and Ian Cole in the offseason. Durzi, acquired last season when the team was in Arizona, signed a four-year, $24 million contract during the summer.

In other injury news, St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas has a fractured ankle and will be evaluated in six weeks.

Oct. 22: Panthers give coach Paul Maurice contract extension

Maurice, who joined the Panthers in 2022-23, went to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season and won it last year. His 29 playoff wins are a franchise record.

He has 98 regular-season wins with Florida and his 873 career wins rank fourth all time in NHL history.

Also: The Blues signed forward Jake Neighbours to a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension.

Oct. 17: Stars’ Jake Oettinger signs eight-year contract extension

The Dallas Stars signed goalie Jake Oettinger to an eight-year, $66 million contract extension that kicks in next season. The $8.25 million cap hit matches the deals recently signed by the Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman and Senators’ Linus Ullmark.

Oettinger has led the Stars to the Western Conference final the past two seasons.

Oct. 12: Aleksander Barkov, Macklin Celebrini are injured

The NHL season is young, but two prominent players are already out with injuries.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will miss two to three weeks after crashing leg first into the boards while trying to prevent an empty net goal on Thursday. His stick had broken but he couldn’t stop Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle from scoring. The time frame should allow Barkov to participate in the two Global Series games against the Dallas Stars in Tampere, Finland, on Nov. 1-2. Barkov is the first Finnish NHL captain to win the Stanley Cup. He won the Selke Trophy last season for the second time as top defensive forward.

Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks placed No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Coach Ryan Warsofsky said Celebrini is week-to-week. He had been dealing with an injury in training camp but played in this week’s season opener, scoring a goal and an assist.

Oct. 11: Avalanche claim goalie Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers

In a busy day for goalie transactions, the Colorado Avalanche claimed Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets. Colorado lost 8-4 in the opener, with Alexandar Georgiev giving up five goals and backup Justus Annunen giving up two goals on four shots. The Avalanche are Kahkonen’s fourth team in a year. He split time last season between the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils.

In other moves, the Minnesota Wild called up Jesper Wallstedt, their goalie of future, who will join Game 1 winner Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury. The Nashville Predators sent down Matt Murray, who backed up Scott Wedgewood on Thursday with injured No. 1 goalie Juuse Saros unable to play.

Oct. 10: Hurricanes-Lightning game postponed because of Milton

Saturday’s game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning has been postponed as the Tampa Bay area recovers from Hurricane Milton. The league said a makeup date would be announced as soon as it can be confirmed.

The Lightning are playing their season opener in Carolina on Friday. Saturday’s game was to be the start of a three-game homestand (also Tuesday and Thursday).

Amalie Arena got through the storm fine, though Tropicana Field, home of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida, suffered major damage to its roof.

Oct. 10: Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has surgery

Jenner had shoulder surgery to repair an injury he suffered during training camp and could miss up to six months.

‘Our hope is he can return before the end of the season,’ said Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Waddell. ‘His loss will be felt by our club, but we have a strong leadership group in place and players will be given an opportunity to take on greater roles on and off the ice.’

Boone, who finished second on the Blue Jackets last season with 22 goals and is the franchise leader in games played, has been the team’s captain since 2021-22.

Oct. 9: Linus Ullmark, Joey Daccord get contract extensions

Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy with the Bruins in 2022-03, was traded to the Ottawa Senators this offseason so Boston had the room to re-sign Swayman. Ullmark will get four years, $33 million from the Senators and have the same $8.25 million cap as Swayman.

Meanwhile, Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord received a five-year, $25 million extension. He filled in for Philipp Grubauer after that goalie’s injury last season and got the NHL’s first shutout in the Winter Classic. Both contracts will take effect next season.

You can’t fairly say anymore that Colorado is all mouth, no trousers. Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes put on their coveralls to smash Utah.
Tennessee moved to the shaky side of the CFP bubble by losing to Georgia, but Vols retain multiple avenues for help.
Clemson, a playoff team? Not ready to take that seriously yet.

As the playoff becomes Coach Prime real estate and the heat lifts on Billy Napier down in Florida, Indiana enjoys an opportunity to provide clarity to the College Football Playoff bubble.

Playoff longshots Kansas State, LSU and Missouri exited the stage, while Brigham Young’s loss to Kansas made it increasingly likely the Big 12 will finish as a one-bid league.

No. 1 Oregon reaffirmed its Big Ten bona fides by winning despite scoring only 16 points.

As conference commissioners prepare to work the propaganda circuit, with CFP selection day less than three weeks away, here’s what’s left on my mind after Week 12:

Are Deion Sanders and Colorado for real?

The Buffaloes are real, and Travis Hunter is spectacular.

A reminder: Colorado won one stinkin’ game the season before it hired Deion Sanders. Only Coach Prime’s staunchest acolytes could have fathomed he’d have Colorado (8-2) knocking on the door of the playoff in his second season.

Transfer additions unlocked necessary improvements at the lines of scrimmage.

Nobody will confuse Colorado with 2021 Georgia, but quarterback Shedeur Sanders benefits from better pass protection than last season, at least, and the defensive line doesn’t invite running backs to cruise on past.

Hunter’s myriad of talents serve as an ace up the sleeve.

Colorado’s 49-24 smashing of Utah struck me as substantial not because the Utes are a quality opponent – they’ve now lost six in a row – but because Kyle Whittingham’s program signifies everything Colorado lacked last season.

Whittingham built the Utes’ brand on stability and toughness, while Prime’s Buffaloes carried a reputation for being all mouth and no trousers, even as wins piled up this season. Well, Colorado donned its coveralls in a workmanlike shredding of what had been the Big 12’s best defense.

Pair Shedeur Sanders’ abilities with talented receivers, and that elevates Colorado’s floor, but this isn’t flag football. A team needs a level of competence at the line of scrimmage, and Colorado improved enough in those areas that it can whip a lunch pail opponent.

“We are coming,” Deion Sanders said afterward, “and we ain’t nearly there yet.”

True, still not there as a national championship contender, but nearly there as the king of the Big 12’s slippery hill.

CALM DOWN: The five biggest overreactions from Week 12

How substantially did Tennessee hurt its CFP chances with Georgia loss?

Well, Tennessee’s 31-17 loss in Athens certainly didn’t help. Tennessee didn’t get blown out, so that’s something, but in a logjam of SEC contenders in which the playoff might only house room for four qualifiers, the Volunteers just don’t overwhelm evaluators with either résumé or eye test.

Georgia didn’t take a two-score lead until late in the fourth quarter, but the Vols legitimized concerns about their offense’s limitations, and the defense that had carried Tennessee to this point went out with a whimper.

If the playoff started today, the Vols would struggle to find a perch, and they’re out of chances to add another marquee victory.

That’s the bad news for Tennessee.

The good news: The playoff doesn’t start today, and Tennessee wouldn’t need another signature win if it receives some help within the next two weeks.

Start by beating Texas-El Paso and Vanderbilt. That’s non-negotiable. Then, pair that with Florida upsetting Mississippi.

Or, Notre Dame loses to either Army or Southern California.

Or, Penn State loses to Minnesota or Maryland.

Or, Ohio State bludgeons Indiana.

Or, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey changes the playoff format by December to create even more spots for his conference. Just kidding about that last suggestion, but you get the idea.

Tennessee surrendered control of its postseason destination by withering against Georgia, but it retains hope.

Just how murky is the SEC championship matchup?

Not that murky. Follow along.

If Texas A&M and Texas win their games against Auburn and Kentucky, respectively, on Saturday, that creates additional clarity. In that case, the Thanksgiving weekend game between Texas and Texas A&M would determine one SEC championship game spot, while Alabama stands first in line for the other spot in Atlanta.

If the Aggies and Longhorns each find losses before the SEC championship, that brings Georgia into the picture alongside Alabama.

Should we take Dabo Swinney’s CFP pitch seriously?

One of the great things about our country is that you can say somewhat goofy things that you don’t even know if you believe yourself, without facing much retribution beyond a bit of mockery.

I give you Dabo Swinney.

After Clemson pulled off an improbable escape in a 24-20 victory against Pittsburgh, a reporter asked Swinney about Clemson’s playoff case. Presumably, that meant at-large playoff selection, because if Clemson won the ACC, that would cement a berth.

Swinney answered with a rambling response that amounted to: Sure, why not?

“We’re 8-2. It’s hard to win,” Swinney said. “We’re undefeated on the road. … We got one freaking loss in this league.”

Plus, a blowout non-conference loss at the hands of Georgia, which itself has two losses.

Oh, and that league loss came at home against a middling Louisville. Clemson laid an egg. That result, more than the setback against Georgia, pushed Clemson into a corner, and there’s no way out other than through the ACC championship. Clemson would need help to get there.

SMU and Miami stand ahead of Clemson in the ACC standings, and as much as I doubt the committee will take two ACC teams, I know it won’t have room for three. Three-loss Pitt team now registers as Clemson’s best win.

“We’re in the fight,” Swinney said. “That’s all you can ask for.”

Unless SMU or  Miami stumbles, Clemson will watch the fight for ACC supremacy while kicking itself for losing to Louisville.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer. Subscribe to read all of his columns.

‘Inside the NBA’ isn’t going away after all, Warner Bros. Discovery/TNT will remain involved in televised coverage of the NBA. Warner Bros. settled its lawsuit against the NBA and now the league can move forward without TV rights drama.

News of Warner Bros. licensing the rights of ‘Inside the NBA’ to ESPN broke Saturday night, and the deal ensures that the popular NBA program featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal will remain on the air.

On Monday, the TNT Sports and NBA released details of the deal, which will run concurrently with the 11-year, $76 billion TV deal the NBA reached with ESPN/ABC, NBC and Amazon. The new TV deal begins with the 2025-26 season.

Here’s what we know about the TNT Sports/NBA TV agreement:

‘Inside the NBA’ moving to ESPN

The idea of losing ‘Inside the NBA’ when TNT Sports wasn’t part of the new deal left basketball fans with uneasy feeling. Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver bemoaned the prospect.

However, TNT Sports worked hard behind the scenes with ESPN to create an opportunity to keep the beloved show alive.

‘The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning ‘Inside the NBA’ is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere,’ Silver said in a news release. ‘We look forward to building on our longstanding partnership with TNT Sports and working together to promote NBA content across key WBD and NBA platforms.’

It is not known yet how this move will impact ESPN’s and ABC’s current pregame coverage of games.

What else is part of the TV deal between NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery?

Warner Bros. also has the rights to televise games in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, Poland and Latin America (minus Brazil and Mexico).

Bleacher Report and House of Highlights will have highlight rights and the opportunity to expand coverage of the league through digital operations. The digital partnership between the NBA and TNT Sports will continue with NBA.com and NBA League Pass.

‘Together these agreements ensure fans will continue to enjoy TNT’s Inside the NBA and create tremendous value for our entire portfolio as we accelerate the growth of TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, House of Highlights and our global sports business,’ Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said. ‘We are pleased to partner with the NBA and Disney/ESPN, and to have solidified long-term rights and revenue for WBD.’

 TNT Sports gets Big 12 football, basketball package

As part of the ‘Inside the NBA’ licensing agreement with ESPN, TNT Sports will televise 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 men’s basketball games each season, beginning in 2025. TNT, in a previous partnership with ESPN, will televise two college football playoff game, starting in December.

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Donald Trump’s quirky dance moves on the campaign trail have become the latest celebration craze in sports.

NFL stars, UFC great Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, and college football players have recently danced like Trump, turning their highlight plays into viral moments.

Las Vegas Raiders rookie sensation Brock Bowers was the latest to celebrate his touchdown score Sunday with a Trump dance in a 34-19 loss to the Miami Dolphins as his postgame media availability ended.

‘I’ve seen everyone do it,’ Bowers told USA TODAY Sports, answering the last question of his postgame media availability. ‘I watched the UFC fight [Saturday] night and Jon Jones did it. I like watching UFC so I saw it, and thought it was cool.’

Along with Bowers, Detroit Lions defenders Za’Darius Smith and Malcolm Rodriguez celebrated a stop, while Tennessee Titans players Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine prematurely celebrated a touchdown Sunday.

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It’s a simple routine: Bend your elbows, close your fists, and move your arms back and forth as the Trump vibes flow. Add head-tiling and facial expressions for some flair.

Trump often performed the stiff boogie down that stole the show during campaign rallies across the country en route to winning the 2024 presidential election over Vice President Kamala Harris.

Now, a silly dance has become the latest intersection between sports and politics.

Trump was sitting ringside and appeared amused as Jones playfully gestured his iteration of the Trump dance twice at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden.

“I’m proud to be a great American champion. I’m proud to be a Christian American champion,” Jones said in his post-fight interview.

This latest Trump foray into sports is a far cry from just seven years ago when Trump accused NFL players of disrespecting the American flag by kneeling during the National Anthem in protest of police brutality and racial injustice.

Now, NFL athletes are being reposted and shared on the social media accounts of the 45th and 47th president.

San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa started the Trump dance trend in the NFL during his Nov. 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, celebrating a sack with teammates Leonard Floyd, Sam Okuayinonu and Fred Warner.

Bosa’s dance earned him a shoutout from Trump on social media network Truth Social.

“I think you know the answer to that question,” Bosa told the San Francisco Chronicle last week when asked his inspiration for the Trump dance. “All the guys wanted me to do it. I wasn’t even going to do it, but the boys reminded me. And it was fun.”

West Virginia’s Nicco Marchiol also had his Trump dance posted by Trump on social media on Nov. 12.

Drake University’s Trey Radocha, Northern Illinois University’s Tristen Tewes and University of Texas defender Michael Taaffee have also celebrated with Trump dances during games. East Carolina quarterback Katin Houser may have started the trend in college with his celebration two days after the Nov. 5 election.

It’s no surprise the Trump dance has become viral. As much as the 78-year-old Trump has been divisive when it comes to politics, he’s been ingrained in pop culture for much of his life.

The Trump dance is challenging the political idea of athletes not “sticking to sports” with a silly dance that’s seems to be sticking around.

Messi’s busy 2024 will come to an end. But can Messi end it on a high note?

Messi is riding a personal, three-game losing streak: Argentina lost 2-1 to Paraguay last week, and Inter Miami dropped its final two games of its first-round series to Atlanta United in the MLS Cup playoffs earlier this month.

It’s just the third three-game skid in Messi’s career.

Argentina has also lost two of its last four games – a surprising outcome for the defending World Cup champions and back-to-back Copa America winners.

“We have to know that we can lose. Fortunately, we have had many positive results,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said during a press conference Monday. “Losing and seeing how the team recovers also gives us good reflections.”

Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday’s Argentina-Peru game:

What time is the Argentina vs. Peru match?

The match begins 7 p.m. ET (7 p.m. in Peru, 8 p.m. Argentina)

Where to watch Argentina vs. Peru live stream

The match will be available on Telemundo, and to live stream on fuboTV and ViX.

Is Messi playing tomorrow?

Yes, Messi is expected to start and captain Argentina against Peru.

Argentina vs. Peru betting odds

The odds are stacked in Argentina’s favor for Tuesday’s match vs. Peru.

Argentina is a -650 favorite to win, while Peru has +1600 odds in the match. A tie has +625 odds. The over/under is 2.5 goals, via BETMGM.

Argentina’s last five losses

Despite losing two of their last four, Argentina has won 64 of its last 69 games.

The fact gives Scaloni confidence his club can right the ship on Tuesday.

“We’re going into tomorrow’s game with the feeling that we’ve been together for a long time,” Scaloni said. “Beyond the results, whether we’ve played well or badly, their response is always wonderful. They’re here and they’re happy.”

Here are the last five losses for Argentina:

Nov. 14, 2024: Argentina lost 2-1 to Paraguay
Sept. 10, 2024: Argentina lost 2-1 to Colombia in a Copa America final rematch. Messi did not play due to an ankle injury.
Nov. 17, 2023: Argentina lost 2-0 to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifying match.
Nov. 22, 2022: Argentina opened the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.
July 2, 2019: Argentina lost 2-0 to Brazil in the Copa America semifinals.

MLS Cup Playoffs continue without Messi later this week

The MLS postseason continues this weekend without Messi and Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami.

On Saturday: New York City FC hosts New York Red Bulls at Citi Field in Queens, N.Y. at 5:30 p.m. ET. LAFC hosts Seattle Sounders FC inside BMO Stadium in Los Angeles at 10:30 p.m. ET

On Sunday: Orlando City SC hosts Atlanta United in Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET, followed by L.A. Galaxy hosting Minnesota United FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles at 6 p.m.

All matches will be available to live stream via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

What’s next for Messi in the United States?

Messi has turned Inter Miami into a global brand, leading the upstart MLS club to a Leagues Cup title in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.

Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through the end of 2025 MLS season. Inter Miami has a chance to win as many as five titles next year, including another MLS Cup title chase and participating in the Club World Cup next summer.

If all goes well – meaning Messi stays healthy next year – Messi could consider playing in the 2026 World Cup, hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.